Tennessee House Bill HB0344

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Failed: 2/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 68, relative to school nurses.

Impact

This legislation is expected to enhance the standing of school nurses within the education system by ensuring they receive equitable pay relative to their licensed teacher counterparts. The new salary stipulations are designed to ensure that school nurses, depending on their experience and training, will either earn a salary that aligns with the minimum for licensed teachers or a higher amount based on their credentials. This approach seeks to attract and retain qualified nursing professionals in schools, thereby improving health services for students.

Summary

House Bill 344 (HB0344) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing the classification and compensation of school nurses within Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The bill mandates that school nurses be recognized as licensed personnel and be compensated according to the salary schedule adopted by each LEA. This classification aims to standardize salaries for school nurses comparable to that of licensed teachers, particularly for those who have just entered the profession.

Sentiment

The sentiment around this bill appears largely supportive, particularly among educational advocates who see the value in investing in school health professionals. There is optimism that equitably compensating school nurses will not only recognize their critical role in student health but may also improve job satisfaction and retention rates. However, there could be some concerns regarding the financial implications for LEAs in terms of budget adjustments needed to accommodate these salary increases.

Contention

While the overall reception of HB0344 is positive, potential points of contention include how this bill may affect LEA budgets and their operational flexibility. Some stakeholders may express concerns over whether local education authorities can feasibly implement these mandated salaries without facing funding challenges. Additionally, discussions may arise around the bill’s provisions regarding contracting with the Tennessee public school nurse program, especially concerning how it aligns with local control in hiring and compensation practices.